Lizzo has been accused of creating an ‘extremely toxic’ work environment by filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison.

The Oscar-nominated director took to Instagram and Twitter/X on Tuesday to share her negative experiences with Lizzo, 35, amid an ongoing lawsuit against the 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) singer by three of her former dancers for alleged sexual and racial harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

The filmmaker revealed that in 2019 she had considered directing Lizzo’s documentary, but ultimately decided to “walk away” after two weeks.

“I was treated with such disrespect by her,” she wrote in the social media post. “I witnessed how arrogant, self-centered and unkind she is.”

Sophia added, “I was not protected and was thrown into a sh**ty situation with little support.”
The filmmaker returned to social media on Wednesday to elaborate on her claims.

“To be clear. Since I’ve spoken out, I’ve had others privately share their very similar experiences, and I have also been affirmed by people who witnessed what I went through,” Sophia, 36, began the statement.

“Lizzo creates an extremely toxic and hostile working environment and undermines the work, labor, and authority of other black and brown womxn in the process. (Notice how the documentary ended up being directed by a cis white man.)”

Sophia recalled originally being “excited” to work with the Grammy winner but “quickly learned her image and ‘message’ was a curated façade.”

The filmmaker concluded the post, “I stand with dancers and anyone who has had similar work experiences working with her and her team. These working conditions are not ok.”

Dancers Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Lizzo, real name Melissa Jefferson, her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc., and her dance captain Shirlene Quigley.

Lizzo has denied the claims.

Lizzo is speaking out. Over the last several days, the singer has become a trending topic on social media. Three of her former backup dancers sued the Special artist for sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

According to reports, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Lizzo in Los Angeles Superior Court. Arianna Davis, Noelle Rodriguez, and Crystal Williams name Jefferson, her production company, and dance captain Shirlene Quigley as defendants.

“The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing,” the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Ron Zambrano, stated.

Lizzo has now responded to the ongoing legal situation. The 35-year-old Atlantic Records recording artist broke her silence by issuing a statement on her verified Instagram page—and flatly denied the allegations.

Lizzo Says Her Former Employees Already Admitting To Being “Inappropriate” & “Unprofessional” On Tour

“These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” Lizzo began. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized.

“Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed. I’m devastated after hearing these fabricated claims made against me.”

Lizzo also alleged her “former employees” publicly admitted their own behavior was “inappropriate” and “unprofessional.”

She continued, “As an artist, I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because, at the end of the day, I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans.”

The chart-topping vocalist/instrumentalist also wrote, “There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.”

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